AMS.

And, I'm back at the bedside.

First day back, with a patient who suffered from an OD on a variety of his medications. Not much to say about this poor gentleman, except that the MD team was drawing straws as to why his AMS persisted (isn't OD enough of a reason?)...vascillating from neuroleptic syndrome to plain encephalopathy, there wasn't much of a consensus made, and he, young and strong, lay mildly sedated and writhing in bed. I couldn't help thinking of how much of a hell he'd brought himself to, and how long it might persist.

Pretty long, uneventful day, but I won't complain. Slow and steady, right?

I did it!

Sorry so long...the last 6 months have been a blur. Quick update:

1. I passed my CCRN exam! Now, all that stands between me and my eternal certification, is a hundred or so CEUs and a few hundred dollars every 3 years. It feels good to be certified -- I'm proud of myself, and eager to encourage others to take the plunge as well.

2. I moved! New job as Clinical Nurse Advisor for the critical care units at a hospital here in Buffalo. Near family, cheaper living, good food...as soon as the stress of the new job dies down, I think this will be a nice place to be content for awhile...

Life is busy, the work is so so new, but I'm cautiously excited about my new role -- transitioning from a direct nurse, to an indirect educator has been challenging, but I guess I'd be worried if it wasn't, right?

More later on...